A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“Of course. I’m already so grateful for everything you’ve done,” Vera said, her emotions unusually raw for once.

She clutched the business card in her hand, holding onto it as if it were her last lifeline.

She’d lost count of how many times she’d thanked her lucky stars for joining this company. She was grateful, too, that she’d worked hard enough to grab hold of the opportunity Alessia had given her, climbing her way to where she was now.

Without Alessia, there was no way she could have afforded her mother’s medical bills on her old salary.

“That’s all for today. If you don’t have anything else to finish up, you can get ready to head out for the holiday. Happy New Year.”

“You too–happy New Year.” Vera looked at the woman eight years her junior, feeling more respect than anything else.

With the last contract signed, the year’s whirlwind of work finally came to a close–for now. Alessia stretched, gathered her things, and made her way out of the office. Cole was already waiting for her downstairs.

“Hard day?” Cole wrapped her in a hug, ruffling her hair before handing over the cup of coffee he’d brought.

“All finished with the Whitley Group?” Alessia took a sip. It was hot, but not too

sweet.

for less sugar, just how she

let us off yesterday. I went with Larkin this morning to tie up a few loose ends.

draped his scarf around Alessia’s neck

replied, buckling

I figured we could eat lunch at our place first,

hesitated for a second, but quickly slipped back into his

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12:37

other plans this afternoon?” Cole

thought for a moment, then

by the supermarket for some holiday groceries? We can drop off some

business gifts? Did you get those

few clients I’ll need to visit in

Cole had moved far beyond those

playful pat on the head, like she was praising

grinned and, with a fond squeeze of her cheek, started the

rarely came home, so two shared a room while everyone else